Save to Pinterest A vibrant salad featuring creamy goat cheese, sweet dates, crisp greens, and a warm spiced honey dressing&mdashperfect for an elegant starter or a light meal.
This salad quickly became my go-to for dinner parties because guests always ask for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Mixed salad greens: 120 g (e.g., arugula, baby spinach, frisée)
- Goat cheese: 150 g crumbled or sliced
- Medjool dates: 8, pitted and chopped
- Toasted walnuts: 40 g, roughly chopped
- Small red onion: 1, thinly sliced
- Small apple: 1, thinly sliced (optional)
- Honey: 3 tbsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1/4 tsp
- Ground coriander: 1/4 tsp
- Chili flakes: 1/8 tsp (optional for mild heat)
- Fresh lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tbsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes (if using). Warm gently for 23 minutes, stirring until aromatic. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let cool slightly.
- Assemble the salad:
- Arrange the salad greens on a large platter or individual plates. Scatter the goat cheese, chopped dates, toasted walnuts, red onion, and apple slices (if using) evenly over the greens.
- Dress the salad:
- Drizzle the warm spiced honey dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Serve:
- Toss gently to combine, or serve with dressing on the side.
Save to Pinterest This salad brings our family together around the table on warm evenings for light and flavorful meals.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this salad with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé to complement the sweet and savory flavors.
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts (walnuts) and milk (goat cheese). Please check all product labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 320 calories, 17 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, 9 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This salad is a simple yet elegant dish that brightens any meal with its sweet and savory balance.
Common Questions
- → What types of greens work best for this salad?
Mixed salad greens like arugula, baby spinach, and frisée provide a fresh, slightly peppery base that balances the creamy goat cheese and sweet dates.
- → Can I substitute the Medjool dates?
Yes, dried figs or apricots can be great alternatives offering a similar sweet and chewy texture.
- → How should the spiced honey dressing be prepared?
Gently warm honey with cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and optional chili flakes, then stir in fresh lemon juice and olive oil to create a balanced, aromatic dressing.
- → Is it possible to add crunch to this salad?
Toasted walnuts add natural crunch, and for extra texture, roasted pumpkin seeds or pistachios make excellent additions.
- → What wine pairs well with this combination?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé complements the salad’s bright and sweet flavors beautifully.